How effective is the HPV vaccine for genital warts?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 50-year-old male. I had genital warts five years ago, had them removed via cauterization, and received three injections of the HPV vaccine. The doctor said the vaccine would cure the virus, but after a year, warts reappeared, and they are still in my scrotum. They are itchy but not painful. My question is whether I can have sex with my partner, given my current condition? Have I been cured by the HPV vaccine?

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The HPV vaccine is not a cure. It is for the prevention of HPV. It prevents the virus from entering your body. But it cannot act on cells that are already infected with the virus.

About sex, there is a chance that with contact, the virus can spread to your partner if not already infected. And being on the scrotum, the methods like a condom will not help. You would need to get treatment for the warts first.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.